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Project R.I.S.E. /
Realizing Inclusion, Success, and Empowerment for the students of MHU
Background
Mars Hill University has been awarded a $1,825,980 five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant by the U.S. Department of Education. Title III of the DOE enables Institutions of Higher Education to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve students by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. This substantial award is designated to support the University’s initiative, Project RISE.
Objectives
Project RISE has been designed with three central objectives:
- Increase retention rates of first-time full-time degree seeking students, particularly high-risk students.
- Increase graduation rates of first-time full-time degree seeking students, who graduate within 6 years, particularly high-risk students.
- Increase faculty competency in implementing Universal Design for Learning principles to serve high risk students more effectively.
Project RISE Activities
To assist in achieving our objectives the project employs four Activity Programs: Male Achievement Program, Academic Success Coaching, Proactive Advising, and a Universal Design for Learning.
Male Achievement Program
The Male Achievement Program (MAP) aims to improve the retention of high-risk male students by offering a range of activities. These include personalized academic support led by dedicated staff, with a focus on men of color. The program features individual and group sessions, guest speakers, the annual Men of Color National Summit, peer mentoring, and engagement in Perts Growth Mindset modules.
Activity Lead: Michael Foster
Nash 307
828-689-1540
MAP Peer Coaching
MAP Peer Coaching fosters a vibrant community for our students. Engaging in this program offers participants personalized academic assistance, weekly check-ins from the MAP Coordinator, insights from esteemed guest speakers, access to tutoring and career guidance, and the exciting chance to attend the prestigious Men of Color National Summit each year!
Contact us to learn how you can be a part of this program!
Academic Success Coaching
The Center for Student Success, in partnership with InsideTrack, aims to enhance student performance, retention, and credit completion, especially for first-year students. InsideTrack will provide remote Academic Success Coaching and evaluate the current support services for students on campus, adopting a proactive coaching model to address issues before they arise.
Activity Lead: Lisa Wachtman
Renfro 305
828-689-1480
InsideTrack Coaching Model
InsideTrack coaching is an evidence-based, research-confirmed approach to improving outcomes — supporting learners to navigate resources, overcome barriers and ultimately take actionable steps toward their goals. An InsideTrack coach will provide individual online support for MHU students. Your coach can connect you with resources and support you during your first year at MHU!
Contact us to learn how you can be a part of this program!
Proactive Advising
Proactive Advising principles at MHU seek to create a consistent advising experience. This approach aims to improve graduation rates, particularly for high-risk first-time full-time degree-seeking students. Proactive Advising training emphasizes identifying and addressing barriers to academic success, especially for disadvantaged students. Additionally, a student-facing self-booking option through the Penji app is expected to enhance the visibility and accessibility of support personnel.
Activity Lead: Ryan Bell
Renfro 306
828-689-1381
Universal Design for Learning
UDL training ensures that all students, regardless of their individual needs, have equal access to education. By incorporating UDL principles, MHU will create an inclusive learning environment that incorporates the diverse range of abilities and learning styles present in the student population. Furthermore, faculty will be better equipped to meet the learning needs of students and empowered to adapt their teaching methods to better support successful learning.
Activity Lead: Chris Cain
Nash 312
828-689-1495
